More people are choosing to have pets over children, study reveals

Parenting is no walk in the park, which might be why some are opting out and choosing the walk in the park… with a dog.

Now, a new study has revealed a link between dog ownership and declining birth rates, confirming the changing choices of many couples.

“One side of the story”

Researchers from Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary say the link isn’t just because of the ruff (ahem) gig children present. 

“Some studies suggest that dog owners indeed have more negative views of motherhood, and mothers who own dogs find parenting more burdensome, which could reduce their willingness to have more children,”  Professor Kubinyi explains.  

“But that’s only one side of the story.” 

He adds that research previously shows dog ownership in the US has increased by 37 million since 1996, which well surpasses the number of children.

Aussies are barking mad, too. 

According to data released by the RSPCA in 2023, there are an estimated 28.7 million pets in Australia.

The most common furry household friend is the dog (48%), with families loving them so much that they’re spending $1,932.88 (3,218 AUD) on average per dog in the household each year.  

Are we so obsessed that we prefer dogs over babies?

So, in summary, we’re obsessed. But are we so obsessed we’re preferring a wagging tail over a nappied bum? 

Kubinyi argues that it’s actually a decline in societal support and the disappearing ‘village’ that is truly influencing people about parenthood.

“The changing role of dog ownership suggests that people in Western societies experience a significant lack of caregiving and social support within their families — and they try to compensate for this, at least in part, with dogs and likely cats as well.”

He points out that the decline in fertility rates, which is concerning governments around the globe, is contributing to increased dog ownership. 

“We need to strengthen family-based social support systems and reduce social isolation. Dog ownership is a wonderful thing when it connects people rather than isolates them,” Kubinyi concludes.